Iran’s Deputy Commander of the Air Defense Force, Brigadier General Alireza Elhami, has announced that Iran’s indigenous Karrar target drone has been successful in issuing warnings to American spy planes and other foreign aircraft, compelling them to avoid approaching Iranian airspace.
The jet-powered Karrar drone has reportedly forced both manned and unmanned foreign aircraft to alter their courses at high altitudes over critical regions like the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Sea of Oman.
Specifically, Brigadier General Elhami mentioned that the Karrar drone has warned aircraft such as the U.S. military’s Boeing P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft and Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk remotely-piloted surveillance aircraft, prompting them to maintain a safe distance from Iranian airspace by flying at high altitudes above the intruders.
It is noteworthy that these foreign aircraft may have attempted to change their cruising altitudes in a bid to test Iran’s air defense capabilities, unaware that the Karrar drone, which boasts an entirely indigenous engine, is capable of operating above them.
Brigadier General Elhami also highlighted the advanced radar system equipped on the Karrar drone.
The Karrar drone, manufactured by the Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company (HESA), is designed for intercepting adversaries’ flying objects, contributing to Iran’s air defense capabilities.
Additionally, the deputy commander noted that Iranian scientists have developed data acquisition systems, electronic warfare systems, as well as optical and combat reconnaissance equipment, all of which are integrated into indigenous drones designed for various flight durations and purposes.
Furthermore, Brigadier General Elhami mentioned that Iran’s Air Defense Force set a service ceiling record by flying a drone at an altitude of 47,000 feet above ground level, marking a significant achievement.
Iran’s continuous advancements in drone technology and its indigenous defense capabilities underscore the nation’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing its military capabilities, with an emphasis on self-sufficiency and defense. These developments align with the stance articulated by Iran’s leaders, including Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, who has consistently emphasized the nation’s right to bolster its defense capabilities, particularly in the realm of missile technology, which is solely intended for defensive purposes.
